(Video) New Orleans Police Officers Ambushed In Vehicle, One Officer Shot In Face

New Orleans, LA

Two New Orleans Police Officers were sitting in their marked patrol unit in the French Quarter Friday afternoon when they were attacked by a random man.  The suspect was in the back of a pedicab when he opened fired on the officers in their car at around 4:25 PM. They had no interaction with him prior to the shooting, according to Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson.

One officer, a four year veteran of the department,  was struck in the face just under the left eye. He is currently in stable but serious condition. The officer shot was able to walk into the hospital on his own upon arrival.  The other officer, a sixteen year veteran, received minor abrasions from glass breaking inside the unit.

The suspect fled on foot and was taken into custody without incident a short distance away. A gun was located near his person and the suspect was wearing a holster.

The suspect claimed he was in medical distress and was taken to the hospital. Superintendent Ferguson said the suspect has refused to identify himself.

Superintendent Ferguson said a citizen assisted the wounded officers after being shot. “A retired Army veteran with medical experience was working in a nearby store and helped with the medical treatment of our officers until fellow officers arrived at the scene,” he said. “We also want to commend the citizens who pointed out the individual as officers were responding to this call,” he added.

The investigation is ongoing.